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Parades normally celebrate significant dates or extraordinary people, but a Las Cruces ministry claims it’s time for a parade of spirit and unity.
Pastor Carlos M. Marin of Beyond Expectations Ministries came up with the idea and said he believes it’s unique to the area.
“This has not been done before, to the best of our knowledge,” he said. “The driving force behind this event is to encourage our community to join in unity and in demonstrating their faith publicly.”
The multi-church light parade is planned Friday, Aug. 21, beginning at sundown with a gathering of vehicles in the Peter Piper Pizza parking lot at 507 S. Main St., with the parade beginning around 9 p.m. and traversing Main Street from East Lohman Avenue to Madrid Street.
The $20 per-vehicle registration fee, he said, “will go towards programs that assist incarcerated youth such as those housed at state-run John Paul Taylor Juvenile Detention Center west of Las Cruces.”
In addition to inviting area churches to decorate vehicles and participate in the parade, Marin said individuals also are encouraged to get in on the fun, either as parade entrants or spectators along the route.
“The three highest hopes we aim to accomplish are to encourage our Christian community to stand in solidarity in faith publicly,” he said. “We also want to create awareness of the growing needs of our youth in today’s environment and connect our community during this time of isolation.”
Marin said his ministry participates in programs both locally and internationally, and he cited support initiatives for orphanages in Liberia and Merida, Yucatan, as well as various churches in Mexico.
“As leaders and influencers in our community, our hope is to bring a light of positivity to our families,” Marin said. “We exist to bring relief for those in need.”
To register a vehicle in the parade, call 575-621-5414 or 575-659 1069 or email Marin at beyondexpectationsm1@icloud.com.
Visit www.Beyondexpectationsministries.webnode.com
